Preserving Affordable Energy: Trump Administration Safeguards Lower Snake River Dams
The U.S. Department of Energy, alongside other federal agencies, has withdrawn from the Biden Administration’s Columbia River System Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), following President Trump’s June 10, 2025, directive to stop the policy.
The move ensures the continued operation of the Lower Snake River dams, which provide over 3,000 megawatts of affordable hydropower, powering 2.5 million homes in the Pacific Northwest.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the importance of energy security, stating, “The Pacific Northwest deserves reliable electricity, not costly radical policies.”
The Biden-era MOU, which aimed to replace dam services and explore breaching them, would have cost up to $31.3 billion, risked power shortages, and increased electricity rates by up to 50%. It also threatened agriculture, shipping, and recreation in the region.
The Trump administration’s action prioritizes affordable energy, infrastructure protection, and economic stability for American families and businesses.
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